Biology - GCSE

What will I study in Biology?

The GCSE Science syllabus covers a number of areas, including evaluating evidence and the implications of science for society; explaining, theorising and modelling in science; and procedural and technical knowledge of scientific practice.

Unit 1 - keeping healthy; how our bodies defend themselves from disease; diet and exercise; nerves and hormones; the abuse of drugs; interdependence and adaptation; energy and biomass in food chains; genetic variation and its control and evolution.

Unit 2 - cells and simple cell transport; photosynthesis; tissues, organs and organ systems; organisms and their environment; proteins – their functions and uses; aerobic and anaerobic respiration; cell division and inheritance.

Unit 3 - Extension Biology as required for award of separate science GCSE. The topics included are: movement of molecules in and out of cells; transport systems in plants and animals; homeostasis; humans and their environment.

How will I be assessed?

Unit 1 has two 30 minute multiple-choice style examinations, taken in November and March of the one-year course, or in March and June of the first year of the two-year course.

Units 2 & 3 are each assessed by 45 minutes written examinations, which are sat in June at the end of the course.

Repeat Unit 1 exams may also be taken in March or June. The arrangements for Biology and Physics are the same as this. One practical assessment or ‘ISA’, involving a laboratory experiment, followed by a written examination, is required for this GCSE.
 

Who will teach me?

Biology at GCSE is taught by Hannah Rosa (BSc), who read Biology at Leeds University, and joined Lansdowne in 2010 with a PGCE in Secondary Science education. Hannah is currently awaiting the award of M.Ed in professional studies.

Which subjects complement Science?

Science at GCSE is a compulsory core subject and essential for a well balanced education. Elements of biology appear across many different subjects and therefore biology complements most other subjects very well. Biology is a multi-disciplinary subject which lends itself well to other sciences, Mathematics, Psychology, and specialist subjects such as Computing and ICT.

Which careers can Science lead to?

Biology GCSE is highly sort-after by employers as scientific competence is not only practically useful, but also indicates a sound ability to think logically and manipulate data and deal with abstract concepts and novel situations. Apart from academic research, scientific subjects are vital in careers such as healthcare, computer-related industries, education and engineering.